Record one unedited take of at least 30 seconds inside your Business Profile on your phone. Show where you are (road signs, building number, a landmark), your signboard with the same name as your profile, and that you run the place (a staff-only room, keys, tools). Keep other people's faces and ID or bank numbers out of frame.
What are Google's rules for the video?
Google sets these rules on its video verification help page:
- The video must be an "unedited, unique, and complete recording with no breaks" and "at least 30 seconds long".
- It must be "recorded and uploaded from a mobile device through your Business Profile". You can't upload a clip from your gallery.
- Don't include sensitive information such as bank account, tax or ID numbers. Don't include private information about you or anyone else. Don't include "other people's faces".
- A storefront or hybrid business must show three things:
- Location: road signs, building numbers or landmarks.
- Existence: storefront signage with the matching business name.
- Management: areas that only employees can enter.
- A service-area business must show markers of where it operates, its tools, equipment or branded items, and proof that you manage it, either by doing the service or by showing business documents.
- Review takes up to 5 business days.
- Online-only businesses can't use video verification.
You can't edit the video afterwards, so plan your route before you press record.
How do I record it?
These steps come from Google's help page:
- On your phone, open your Business Profile.
- Tap Get verified. If Google asks for your phone number, enter it, then tap Next.
- Tap Business video, then Next.
- Read the requirements. Allow access to the camera, location and microphone.
- Tap Next, then Start recording. Tap record to begin and stop to end.
- Watch the video back, then tap Upload video.
What should a clinic film?
Aim for 40 to 50 seconds. The timings below are a suggested plan, not Google rules.
- 0 to 8 s: Start outside. Film the nearest road sign or a landmark (a pharmacy, a temple, a metro pillar), then pan to the building number.
- 8 to 16 s: Film the signboard with the exact clinic name from your profile. Hold it for 3 seconds.
- 16 to 28 s: Walk in. Show the reception desk with the clinic name, or the registration certificate on the wall. Film before opening so no patient faces appear.
- 28 to 40 s: Unlock a staff-only room, such as the consultation or sterilisation room, and go in. Show the equipment.
- 40 to 48 s: Show your hand holding the keys, or open a supply cabinet.
Keep patient files, prescription pads with names, and the appointment screen out of frame.
| Frame | What to film |
|---|---|
| 1 | A nearby landmark |
| 2 | The building number |
| 3 | The signboard with your profile's name |
| 4 | The reception desk |
| 5 | A staff-only room |
What should a salon film?
Film before clients arrive, so no faces appear.
- Outside, film nearby landmarks and the building number.
- Hold on the signboard with the exact salon name.
- Inside, show the stations and your branded products.
- Show the staff-only store room, or the back counter with the appointment book closed.
- Show yourself unlocking the shutter or switching on the board.
What should a cafe film?
Film at opening time, before customers come in.
- Outside, film a landmark and the shops next to you.
- Hold on the signboard.
- Show the menu board with the cafe name.
- Go behind the counter and show the coffee machine and the kitchen door.
- Show a staff member opening the till or the store room.
What about a home-based or service-area business?
Google says: "If you run a service-area business from your home, you can record landmarks and signs in your immediate neighborhood to verify the address." (source)
- Film landmarks and signs near your home.
- Show your branded vehicle or equipment.
- Show yourself doing the work. For example, a plumber can show their kit and a branded invoice book. Keep any customer's address out of frame.
For more on this type of profile, read the service-area business guide.
Why was my video rejected?
If Google rejects the video, a Review issues notice tells you why (source). Google names three reasons (source). Each one points to a shot you missed.
| Google's reason | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Business name not visible on storefront" | Usual causeThe signboard is missing, too far away or too dark, or its name is different from the profile name | FixFilm the board close and steady for 3 seconds in daylight. Check that the profile name matches the board (name rules). |
| "No nearby area shown" | Usual causeThe video started inside, or shows only close-ups | FixStart outside with road signs, the building number or a known landmark, then walk in without stopping. |
| "Missing proof of authorization to operate the business" | Usual causeOnly public areas were filmed | FixUnlock a staff-only room, open the till, use your keys or show your tools in use. |
Other common problems: other people's faces are visible, sensitive numbers appear on screen, or the video is shorter than 30 seconds or has a break.
To try again, record a new video. Keep the shots that worked and add the one that was missing.
Worked example (illustrative)
Glow & Co. Salon is in Bandra West, Mumbai. Google rejected the owner's first video with "No nearby area shown", because she started filming at the door.
She filmed again at 9:30 am, before opening. She started at the bus stop sign 20 metres away and showed the bakery next door. She panned to the building number and held the camera on the signboard. Then she rolled up the shutter with her keys, walked past the stations and went into the stock room. The video ran 52 seconds, with no cuts and no people in it. Google approved it later that week.
FAQ
- How long should the verification video be?
- At least 30 seconds, in one take. A take of 40 to 60 seconds leaves time to show the location, the signboard and that you run the place.
- Can I upload a video I already recorded?
- No. You must record it inside your Business Profile on your phone.
- Can I edit the video or add music?
- No. The video must be unedited.
- How long does review take?
- Up to 5 business days.
- What if my signboard isn't up yet?
- Put up permanent signage first. Google expects permanent signage, so a temporary sign made for the video goes against the intent of the guidelines.
- Is a live video call better?
- It's another method, and you can use it only if Google offers it to you. Calls happen only during business hours (source). To compare the methods, read the verification guide.
After you're verified
With Reach
The walk-through you just filmed also gives you your first photo set: the outside with the signboard, the inside, and your team. Once you're verified, connect your profile to Reach by Locus. Presence uploads your logo, cover and photos to Google. The dashboard home shows your profile score and what's still missing. Reach does not record or submit verification videos.